Hemyock

When our surveyor Angus visited the site, it was very rewarding to see how well the planting is establishing, with most trees now growing well out of their guards. The sheltered nature of the site is likely helping and oak, hazel, birch, and rowan are doing particularly well here. Survival rates varied slightly across the area, from 95% in one section to 84% in another, giving an overall success rate of 90%. This is well above our 80% minimun survival rate goal.

The surrounding vegetation consists mainly of grass alongside some thistle, dock, and nettle, which is competing slightly with the young trees. While the site would benefit from some light maintenance, the landowners have done a great job so far and are confident managing this themselves, so we are happy to leave it in their hands for now. There is also minor evidence of deer on-site, though it does not currently appear to be an issue.

A survey carried out at Hemyock shows very strong overall establishment across the site, with an estimated survival rate of around 87%.

Of the 210 planted trees, the site now supports the equivalent of approximately 230 trees, reflecting successful natural regeneration alongside planted stock. Survival rates vary slightly between areas, with around 95% in one section and 80% in the other.

Natural regeneration is also contributing positively to woodland development, with young oak, rowan and ash establishing from surrounding seed sources. This is helping to fill gaps and increase the diversity and resilience of the developing woodland.

The owners had contacted us about planting some trees to add to those already growing there. We offered them 210 mixed native saplings to extend their small woodland and they were happy to do the planting themselves. They planted the trees on the sloping field with uneven spacing to create a more natural look, with stakes and guards as protection against deer and rabbits.

By planting more trees on this land, we are helping to encourage wildlife into the area. Not only that, as the trees mature and grow, they’ll help stabilise the ground beneath them, absorb carbon dioxide from the air, and generally improve the local environment.